Rainbow flags at the Stonewall National Monument in New York City's Greenwich Village were vandalized this week for the second consecutive year during Pride Month. Authorities received a report early on Friday indicating the flags had been removed and destroyed on Thursday night. An unidentified individual was seen tampering with the flags before fleeing the scene. No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
New York City Council member Erik Bottcher, representing Greenwich Village, publicly condemned the act, highlighting the determination of the LGBTQ+ community. New York State Attorney General Letitia James called the vandalism "disgusting" and urged anyone with information to reach out to the police. Mayor Eric Adams also expressed his condemnation, reiterating the city's support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Stonewall National Monument, which includes Christopher Park and the historic Stonewall Inn, was designated a national monument in 2016. This designation came shortly after the tragic shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, which underscored the significance of protecting LGBTQ+ landmarks. Last year, a similar series of vandalisms resulted in arrests and charges of criminal mischief as a hate crime.
Following the recent vandalism, replacement flags were quickly reinstalled at the site, demonstrating continued support for the LGBTQ+ community and honoring the historical significance of the Stonewall Inn and its role in the LGBTQ+ rights movement.